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Nurses gives students tools for a healthy life

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Gavin Wernette is a 10-year-old boy who likes reading, kickball and cars. What he doesn’t like is giving himself shots, which, as someone with diabetes, he has to do several times a day. “It is hard to deal with diabetes sometimes,” says Gavin.

On school days, though, he gets guidance from Suellen Nida, R.N., a nurse with Legacy Silverton Medical Center who works full time at schools in the Silverton area.

A daily dose of independence

“Suellen always greets me with a hug,” says Gavin, a fifth grader at Robert Frost Elementary School in Silverton. “She makes me feel comfortable when I am testing my blood sugars and doing my shots. It makes me feel happy and welcome. She has helped me become more independent.”

Gavin and Suellen are featured in a series of television, radio and print ads in which Legacy Health celebrates the work we do in the community along with the help of our partners.

‘Grow up to be strong, healthy adults’

In a contract with the schools, Legacy Silverton Medical Center places up to three nurses in Silverton-area schools to work with about 4,700 children, part of our mission to improve the health of the community.

Nida has been working in the schools for 11 years, providing routine care plus working with students who have additional needs, from asthma and diabetes, to those with spina bifida, epilepsy, heart problems and other conditions.

“Some of these kids would otherwise have to stay home,” she says. “I get to help them stay in school, have normal lives and grow up to be strong, healthy adults.”
She loves her role. “I see it as an honor,” she says. “I get to make a difference in my community, make a difference with these kids. It’s what drives me. It’s the greatest job in the world.”